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firms wooed potential Canadian targets when the International Bar Association met in Vancouver last October, says Fulton. "There were certainly a number of firms approaching us, and I'm sure approaching others, about doing some- thing more expansively," he says. Robert Seidel, national manag- ing partner of 200-lawyer Davis LLP, believes the genesis of this global inter- est in Canadian firms is the coun- try's emergence as a reliable source of energy, with the Alberta oilsands as the primary driver. It has helped that Canada has led the way on proj- ect finance, infrastructure, and energy and the environment. "These are all top-of-mind international issues," says Seidel. Canada's stronger-than-average performance during the economic cri- sis, fostered in part by a strong banking sector, has further enhanced its image. "Because of those fundamental pillars in the Canadian economy, Canada is punching above its weight in terms of the legal profession and the acknowl- edgment by clients in industry that this is a great place to invest," says Seidel. Although these factors have brought the legal world to Canada's doorstep, Seidel isn't convinced that firms here must fit a stereotype to survive. He sees each looking inward to determine what type of approach best suits them. His firm has gone through that exercise and plans to grow. On the international front, in December the firm was final- izing a move that would significantly expand its presence in Japan, which Seidel says began over 60 years ago. He notes Davis hopes to use the larger presence to penetrate deeper into the Asian market, especially China. "The World Bank has targeted that part of the world as a place where there's going to be significant investment in the future, because there are so many people there. There's enormous wealth too." All of this is to say that Canada's top law firms appear to be entering a new phase of transformation. It's unlikely to involve the same volume of merg- ers that took place in the 1990s after national firms were given the go-ahead, but it will be transformative nonethe- less. Some firms will find ways to better serve clients abroad, others will focus on solidifying their regional practices, and still more will remain fixed on expand- ing their national coverage. Partnership committees across the country are cur- rently putting their minds to where they want to fit into the equation. "Everyone is looking for where their sweet spot will be," says Ogilvy's Coleman. "It will mean change for some firms. Other firms will choose not to change; they'll be happy with the spot that they're in." McMillan's Kent says he's learned over the course of a career that began in 1979 that flexibility is a key ingredient for suc- cess. Circumstances can change in an instant, so it's best to avoid rigid strategic plans. "Law firms have a certain amount of positive momentum. It's easy to coast, without realizing you're coasting," he says. "I think it's good for organizations to embrace positive change." Legal advisers need top advice too. At Grant Thornton LLP, we understand the unique challenges you and your clients face. So why not call upon a team of Canada-wide advisers with experience helping you meet those challenges head on. Professionals like Stephen R. Binder, BA, CA, and a partner in our North Toronto office. For over 35 years, Stephen has helped his clients in the legal profession thrive. Whether it's through strategic and operational planning to help ensure success of the firm, or assisting with the exit strategy when the time comes to leave the business to the next generation— and everything in between—that's Stephen's commitment to his clients. It's ours too, which is why we're thrilled to have him on our side. Give us a call today and put our side to work for you. Stephen R. Binder, BA, CA Suite 200 41 Valleybrook Drive Toronto, ON, M3B 2S6 T (416) 380-2630 E sbinder@GrantThornton.ca www.GrantThornton.ca In Ontario. Across Canada. Audit Tax Advisory www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com FEBRUA R Y 2011 33 rantThornton_CL_Feb_11.indd 1 1/17/11 10:38:49 AM